Thank you to peace activists John and Diana Mayba and Keith and Bernadette Wyton for taking time to brief me on progress towards getting Peace Train Canada on its way next November 15th when a train carrying a group of peacebuilders will leave Vancouver heading for Ottawa. The goal of a Peace Train Canada is to reinvigorate Canada's actions to support non-violent peaceful conflict resolution and the reduction of human suffering. We discussed their trip and calls of action and I agreed to work together to create a petition, help connect them to other MPs and host a reception for them when they arrive in Ottawa.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada Meeting
It was a privilege to meet with representatives from Mood Disorders Society of Canada recently in Ottawa to discuss the important role of community organizations and peer support workers in helping Canadians with mental illnesses. They spoke about how the chronic underfunding of Canada’s mental health sector limits the ability of non-profit organizations to expand services and meet growing demand. We agreed that investing in community mental health organizations could reduce pressures on the healthcare system and help Canadians who are struggling. Finally, we talked about my Private Member’s Bill, C-414, which is pushing for parity between physical and mental health in our universal, public healthcare system. Canada is facing a mental health crisis and it’s clear we need systemic change so everyone can access care when they need it most.